Cataracts and Treatment At Brook Run Vision Center in Richmond, Virginia

Cataracts are a common eye problem that occurs mostly in older adults. They cause a reduction in visual acuity and can progress to complete blindness. However, cataracts are one of the most treatable eye conditions, and here at Brook Run Vision Center in Richmond, VA we can help you cope successfully with your cataracts.

What is a Cataract?

Normally, the lens of the eye, which is located immediately behind the colored part of your eye, is clear. Light is focused through it onto the retina at the back of your eye, and this transmits a picture to your brain. When people age, sometimes the proteins and fibers in the lens start to clump together or take on an abnormal shape. This turns the clear lens into a cloudy or even completely opaque one.

Symptoms of Cataracts

The first thing that most people notice is a reduction in visual acuity. They may think that they are becoming more nearsighted because of age. Although many people do not notice the difference between blurred and clouded vision, cataracts do tend to cause more of the latter. This cloudiness can change color perception, make glare more noticeable, and reduce your ability to see at night.

What Causes Cataracts?

The most important risk factor for cataracts is age. However, there are other things that have been shown to cause an increase in the risk of getting a cataract:

Smoking

Certain medications

High alcohol consumption

Diabetes

It is very possible that diet is also involved. A diet high in fruits and vegetables is recommended by optometry professionals in general, to protect your overall eye health.

How are Cataracts Diagnosed?

A thorough patient exam is the first step in diagnosing cataracts. This starts with a patient history, where we discuss your previous eye care and conditions, what your symptoms might be, and which risk factors for cataracts you might have. After our discussion, we will move on to a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, a dilated pupil eye health check, and a pressure test.

Treating Cataracts

During the early stages of cataract development, the symptoms may be minor enough to merely manage. A new prescription may be all that is required to manage your cataracts at first. However, once they progress to a point where they are impairing your ability to perform normal tasks, you will require cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens from the eye and replacing it with an artificial one. As with any surgery, there are risks such as infection. However, the vast majority of cataract surgeries go well.

Here in Richmond, Brook Run Vision Center provides high-quality optometry services for clients with and without eye conditions. A comprehensive eye exam screens for more than just cataracts, so make sure that you are up to date on yours! To make an appointment, call (804)-264-2956.